Gqeberha – Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) continues to drive its partnership with Nelson Mandela’s University’s (NMU) Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre (GMMDC) to advance the education of Mathematics and Physical Science in schools situated in disadvantaged communities in the Nelson Mandela Bay. This follows the relaunch of the three-year partnership in 2024 where IMSAf announced an investment of R1.5 million over the three-year period.
The initiative provides innovative teaching and learning tools to three Gqeberha-based high schools: kwaZakhele, Newell, and Sophakama, empowering Mathematics and Physical Sciences teachers with the latest tools and mobile learning support platforms. These tools include the GammaTutor mobile teaching device and curriculum aligned MobiTutorZA software which enable effective teaching and learning at schools without requiring internet connection.
Since its launch in 2024, the partnership has enabled significant improvement in Mathematics and Physical Science results compared to the previous years. “The programme has allowed us to improve the learning and teaching environment at the three high schools where we have seen a 24% improvement in Mathematics and 16% in Physical Science results. We also noted exceptional individual achievements from learners who effectively used our mobile learning support platforms and resources,” Project Leader at the Nelson Mandela University’s Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre, Natalie Gill says.
Notably, 10 out of 45 learners either achieved a distinction or significantly improved their Maths marks with more than 50% achieving Bachelor passes in 2024. “While the project is still in its infancy, this is a commendable outcome considering the educational challenges faced by these three project schools”, Gill says.
IMSAf has identified education has one of its key corporate social responsibility pillars, aligned to the company’s broader strategy to drive meaningful change within the communities in which it operates. “Our collaboration with GMMDC is a demonstration of our commitment to invest in the future of young people by equipping them with requisite skills that we believe will help them progress in their chosen careers,” said Celestin Ndhlovu, Executive Vice President for Corporate Services at Isuzu Motors South Africa. “We are pleased to witness the progress made in improving the learning environment and academic outcomes in these critical subjects.”
IMSAf remains committed to support teachers and learners through the GMMDC programme to promote innovative thinking, collaboration and creative problem-solving – skills that are essential to navigate the increasingly technological world. “Our long-term goal is to narrow the skills gap by improving the quality of education, aligning learning outcomes with future skills needs, primarily through the promotion and adoption of STEM subjects in schools across the Nelson Mandela Bay,” Ndhlovu concludes.
ENDS
Caption: L-R - Amyoli Maposela (KwaZakhele High School), Prof Werner Olivier (GMMDC), Komane Pitso (ISUZU), Amkele Mini (Sophakama High School), Celestin Ndhlovu (ISUZU), Lunamandla Ngqolombe (Newell High School) and Oyisa Qovane (Newell High School)